Hi @gypsylaura Welcome to the head and neck group. I saw your post yesterday however I have no experience with neck dissection so I let the post ride for a while.
You certainly have had a rotten time with this cancer in your life. It now seems your “healthcare” team has limited interest in your quality of life while having great interest in cutting you to pieces in search of gold. That point may be a frank discussion you should have with them. What is their goal? Are they just digging or do they have a plan? Do they have any concern about you as a patient? Should you seek help elsewhere?
When it comes to our healthcare, we are our best advocate. Do not be afraid to ask the difficult questions, calmly, sincerely, non-accusing if possible. This is your life, not the doctors.
Sometimes, likely more often than we want to believe, due to insurance, busy schedules, surgery plans, or whatever, the patient’s best interest is not the doctor’s best interest. Not to make a joke here but the reality is, half of all doctors are below average. When it comes to your personal health care, seek out the eagles rather than wasting time with the turkeys.
Let’s see if someone in the head and neck group has experience and advice with neck dissection who can answer questions for you. We must get this cancer out of you once and forever.